EN

Severity: Low

Miele Dishwasher Error F11 – Drain Fault – Check Drain

Your Miele couldn't drain the tub. Check the filter combination, non-return valve and drain hose first.

At a glance

Severity: 2/5 – Low2/5

Severity: Low

Meaning
Drain Fault – Check Drain
Typical repair cost
$0–$650
DIY difficulty
Easy

F11 is Miele's drain fault: the pump ran but the water level in the sump did not drop as expected, so the program was stopped. Unlike most brands, Miele places a user-cleanable non-return valve right next to the drain pump, and gunk on that flap is a typical Miele cause alongside a clogged filter combination. The rest of the drain path matters too: in US kitchens the hose usually runs through an air gap or into a garbage disposal. Miele pumps are robust, so a truly failed pump is the least likely explanation.

How it looks on the display

Miele Dishwasher display showing error F11

Model families & display variants

Model familyShowsNote
Models with a time/digit displayF11The code appears in the remaining-time display and the program stops.
G 5000 and G 7000 series with text displayF11Shown as a fault message with F11, usually together with a prompt to check the drain.
Older Futura and Dimension models without digitsInlet/Drain LEDThe drain fault is flagged by the Inlet/Drain indicator, often with a flashing Start light. Pattern varies; check the manual.

Safety first · Consult a professional

Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it or turn off its breaker before reaching into the sump. Wear gloves, since glass shards can sit under the filters and in the pump opening.

  • Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
  • Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.

Symptoms

  • F11 in the time display, or a fault message about the drain
  • Inlet/Drain indicator lit on models without a digit display
  • Water standing in the bottom of the tub
  • Program stops partway through
  • Dirty water flows back into the tub after draining

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Filter combination clogged with grease and food residue 30%
  2. Non-return valve dirty or stuck 20%
  3. Foreign object at the drain pump impeller 15%
  4. Disposal knockout plug in place, disposal full, or air gap clogged 13%
  5. Drain hose kinked behind the cabinet or under the sink 12%
  6. Drain pump failed 10%

Fix it step by step

Diagnostic flow: F111Switch off and unplug2Take out the filter combination3Bail out the sump4Clean the non-return valve5Check the pump impeller6Check disposal, air gap and hose7Reassemble and test

  1. Switch off and unplug

    Turn the dishwasher off with the On/Off button, then unplug it or switch off the breaker. Remove the lower basket.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan

  2. Take out the filter combination

    Turn the filter handle to unlock it and lift the whole filter combination out. Separate the coarse and fine parts as shown in your manual, and rinse them under hot running water with a soft brush.

    Tools: Soft brush, Gloves

  3. Bail out the sump

    Scoop the remaining water out of the sump with a small cup until you can see the non-return valve cover and the pump opening.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan, Gloves

  4. Clean the non-return valve

    Release the latch on the non-return valve cover and lift it out. Rinse it under the faucet and make sure the flap moves freely and closes by itself.

    Tools: Gloves

  5. Check the pump impeller

    Shine a light into the pump opening and pick out any glass, pits or labels. With gloves on, nudge the impeller: it should move with light resistance and not be jammed.

    Tools: Flashlight, Gloves

  6. Check disposal, air gap and hose

    On a new disposal, confirm the knockout plug was removed. Pull the air gap cap and clear it, and look for kinks in the drain hose under the sink.

    Tools: Flashlight, Screwdriver

  7. Reassemble and test

    Refit the non-return valve until it clicks, reinsert and lock the filter combination, restore power and run a short program. Watch that the water leaves the sump during the first drain.

How to reset F11

  1. Switch the dishwasher off with the On/Off button.
  2. Fix the cause, then switch it back on; on models with a text display, confirm the message with OK if prompted.
  3. The dishwasher drains first. If F11 appears again, the drain path is still restricted or the pump needs service.

Where the parts are

Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump – F11123456789
Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump
  1. 1Door lock
  2. 2Water inlet valve
  3. 3Filter
  4. 4Circulation pump
  5. 5Heating element
  6. 6Drain pump
  7. 7Float switch
  8. 8Temperature sensor
  9. 9Water level sensor

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Clean filter combination and non-return valve Yes $0
Clear disposal plug or air gap Yes $0–$15
Replace non-return valve Yes $15–$40
Service call to clear the drain No $180–$300
Drain pump replacement (parts and labor) No $350–$650

Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.

When to call a technician

Call Miele service or an authorized technician if F11 returns after the filters, non-return valve and pump opening are clean and the hose, air gap and disposal are clear. The same applies if you hear no pump sound at all during draining, or the impeller is blocked in a way you cannot clear by hand.

Frequently asked questions

What does the non-return valve on a Miele do?

It stops dirty water in the drain hose from flowing back into the tub once the pump stops. If the flap sticks open or shut because of grease or debris, you get backflow or an F11.

The filter is spotless, but F11 keeps coming back. What now?

Clean the non-return valve and look into the pump opening next; those are the typical Miele trouble spots. After that, check the hose, air gap and disposal before assuming the pump has failed.

Can I restart the Miele right away after F11?

Yes, once you have found and fixed the restriction. Restarting without fixing anything just fills the tub again and ends in the same fault.

Does a new garbage disposal cause F11?

It can. Disposals ship with a knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet, and if it isn't removed the Miele has nowhere to pump. Knock it out with a screwdriver and hammer and remove the loose disc from inside the disposal.

Sources